Friday, November 21st Weekly Update

Posted Date: 11/21/25 (03:35 PM)

Orchard Hill Weekly Update

Friday, November 21st, 2025

A school hallway is lined with donated food items, ready for distribution.

From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,

Thank you for all of your donations for our Thanksgiving Food Drive! Our hallway was lined with so many food items for families in need. A special thanks to grade 5 teacher, Mrs. Kruzick, for coordinating this impactful event.

Have a wonderful weekend!

- Mike

A spotlight shines on the words 'STAFF SPOTLIGHT'.

Mrs. Gomes elementary school picture:

A young girl smiles, showing a gap where a tooth is missing.

Stacey Gomes - Grade 2 Teacher

# of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? 5th year at OH and 9th year teaching (time flies!)
What do you enjoy most about working at our school? My favorite part of Orchard Hill is the kids! I learn so much from them and I love chatting about their interests and hobbies. The staff is also awesome and I know they always have my back!
What inspired you to become an educator (or work in education)? When I was in elementary school, I would go home after school everyday and teach my dolls what I had learned that day. It feels like being a teacher was always the path I was going to take! Besides that, I love to learn and each day in a classroom is different so it makes for very exciting days!
Where did you grow up? Enfield, CT
Do you have any siblings? I have two brothers! I'm the middle child.
What was your favorite sport/activity as a child? I played A LOT of basketball! I also played field hockey and softball. When I got to college, I was on my universities field hockey and basketball teams. It was so fun!
What do you like to do outside of school? I love hiking (and being outside in general) and reading!
What's your favorite food or snack? Ice Cream is my favorite food in the world, but since I can't eat that all the time, I also love Goldfish.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? The number one place on my bucket list right now is Glacier National Park in Montana
If you weren't in education, what would you do? I would love to be an Ice Cream Taste Tester but only for the flavors that I like :)

Employment Opportunity

A blue background with the words 'We're Hiring' in bold text.

Part-Time Cafeteria Supervisory Paraeducator

Are you interested in joining our Orchard Hill team? If so, consider applying for our vacant part-time cafeteria supervisory paraeducator position! This paraeducator works in tandem with another supervisory paraeducator supervising and assisting our students during their lunchtime. This is a fun and rewarding position! If interested, please apply HERE

Lost & Found **write your child's name on the clothing

As a reminder, our Lost & Found will be in our lobby during parent/teacher conferences, so please take a look if your child is missing something! A great strategy to avoid having something lost, is to write your child's name on the tag of the clothing.

A metal rack filled with various clothing items on hangers.

Upcoming Events

Monday, November 24th

STEM After-School Clubs Session 1 - 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Girls on the Run - 3:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

A yellow sticky note reads 'Early Release Day!' pinned with a blue tack.

Wednesday, November 26th

Early Release - 12:45 p.m. dismissal

A chalkboard with 'Happy Thanksgiving' surrounded by autumn leaves and a pumpkin.

Thursday, November 27th

NO SCHOOL - Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday, November 28th

NO SCHOOL

Picture Retake Day is Coming 12/4

An advertisement for school photo retake day with smiling faces.

Please click on the attachment for more information and to pre-order.

Orchard Hill Hartford Wolfpack Night

26-27 Peer Role Model Application for Preschool Outreach Program (POP)

A colorful square icon features stick figures of a boy and girl with arms raised.

South Windsor Public Schools is now accepting applications for community peer role models in the preschool outreach program (POP) for the 2026-2027 school year. If you are interested in this opportunity for your child, please complete the Preschool Outreach Program (POP) Community Role Model Application. Peer role model screenings will begin in January 2026. You can learn more about POP by accessing our school district's website.

Friday Folders

Radon Testing

Please see the attached letter regarding required radon testing at Orchard Hill.

Cookies With Santa Flyer

Gingerbread House Festival

When Should You Keep Your Child Home From School?

A guide titled 'Should I keep my child home or send them to school?' lists health guidelines.

PTO Information/Events

Upcoming PTO events listed on a pink and orange gradient background.

PTO Winter Fair

Winter Fair is fast approaching and we are looking for volunteers to assist with set-up/break down and of course helping our students shop. Please see the flier and link below for volunteer opportunities!

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C044CADAA2CA0FCC25-60408817-orchard

Orchard Hill Winter Fair poster with a snowman, rabbit on a sled, and bear ice skating.

PTO Skate Night

Click the picture below for more details and to register!

An event flyer for OH Skate Night 2025, featuring cartoon penguins ice skating.

Text on a light blue background thanks attendees of movie night.

2025-2026 District Calendar